Starting August 2026 - AmeriCorps Access Coach- CHICAGO

College Possible AmeriCorps•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

At College Possible, we believe talent is universal. For many students, the path to college can feel overwhelming or out of reach. That's where you come in. We support students on their journey to higher education by providing personalized coaching, resources, and guidance. When you join College Possible, you become part of a team dedicated to making college access and success a reality. Together, we help students navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and earn their degrees. College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as a College Possible coach in communities throughout the country. College Possible Coaches come from various backgrounds across the United States to serve as college access and success mentors. Each Coach brings unique skills to help students succeed. We seek dedicated and capable individuals committed to supporting students on their path to college. Through this service year opportunity, Coaches develop leadership skills, participate in professional development workshops, gain public speaking experience, and more. This role provides a valuable learning experience for both students and Coaches alike. The College Access Coach service positions focus on coaching and supporting high school juniors and high school seniors who are seeking to earn a college degree. Access coaches will serve primarily inside a partner high school coaching a caseload of high school juniors and/or seniors as they explore college opportunities and complete the college application process. All Access coaches are required to be in the office every Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for mandatory ongoing training. Coaches must have reliable transportation to and from the office, assigned school placements, affiliated institutions, and other required locations.

Requirements

You are a U.S. citizen; AmeriCorps members are required to be U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
You are a college graduate between 2021 and 2026 and/or do not exceed the age of 27 by August 2026
You must clear a National Service Criminal History Check and all other security requirements set forth by College Possible and the school district in which you serve before the start of training
Computer/Software Skills: Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other Office Suite programs.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements: Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization with a strong commitment to the mission of helping students earn admission to college and persist toward degree completion.
Adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and commitment to excellence
Strong analytical skills and the ability to effectively interpret data and reports.
Outstanding attention to detail
Top quality organization skills, unwavering ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and handle potentially stressful situations calmly and appropriately.
Willingness and ability to take initiative and thrive in new environments.
Motivated and able to work independently as well as with a team.
Able to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
Flexibility to work in multiple locations. Time is split between the College Possible office and affiliated institutions.
Access to reliable transportation
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed
Office environment with limited travel
Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day

Responsibilities

Teach college preparatory classes for 40 or more high school students at local high school campus(es)
Ensure that students consistently receive the highest quality of services, that school partner needs are met, and that each student makes satisfactory progress toward program goals
Provide 1-on-1 coaching to students to develop their college plan
Gain and maintain knowledge of all students' interests, needs, and backgrounds
Perform follow-up parent/student phone calls
Lead student recruitment at schools in your portfolio; including but not limited to tasks like leading information sessions, communicating with school staff, facilitating interviews, and welcoming students into the program.
Collect, organize, and maintain student and program documents
Update the database and spreadsheet files on a weekly basis; maintain student records and statistics
Provide mid-year and end of year-end progress reports for all students
Coordinate with the College Success Team to provide college transition services to graduating high school seniors
Submit weekly timesheets, periodic reports (i.e., monthly reports, self-evaluations, and supervisor evaluations), and other service-related documentation as
Attend required programmatic and community service events

Benefits

3 weeks of paid school breaks & holidays
Up to 10 personal days
2 weeks onboarding and training
Consistent professional & leadership development training
Employee Assistance Program access, with mental, physical, & financial wellness benefits
Company-provided technology
Company-provided gear & apparel
Access to College Possible alumni network
AmeriCorps Eligible Benefits
Student loan deferment and interest forbearance
Childcare benefits program
Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Access to Schools of National Service Network for additional education benefits
Access to AmeriCorps alumni & Employers of National Service networks